Matthew Makes It A Record 10th Nationals Final

12 Feb 2017

Yorkshireman Nick Matthew became the first player in the event's 43-year history to reach a 10th final when he defeated England Squash Academy opponent Declan James in straight games in the semi-finals of the Blowers Jewellers British National Championships in Manchester.

The 36-year-old from Sheffield proved too much for 23-year-old James, taking the match 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 in 44 minutes - and is now one win away from a record ninth title.

Matthew had special praise for his opponent. "I've seen the work Declan is putting in here with the England Squash Academy - day-in, day-out - and he has a big future; I just wanted to make sure it doesn't start tomorrow!"

Matthew will face surprise opponent Joe Lee, a 5/8 seed from Surrey. The 27-year-old from Weybridge overcame former junior rival and long-time friend Adrian Waller - also a 5/8 seed and aged 27 - 6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9 in 68 minutes in the other semi to reach his maiden Nationals final.

"Everyone had been expecting another match between me and James [Willstrop]," added Matthew. "In some ways, this puts more pressure on me as I'm expected to win. Both Joe and Adrian had a huge opportunity today and it's going to be the match of Joe's life tomorrow."

Massaro, the world No.5 from Preston, fought back from a game down against first-time semi-finalist Emily Whitlock to win 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 in 44 minutes

Perry overcame a stern test from four-time champion Alison Waters, opening up a two-game lead before second seed Waters dragged herself back into the game. But Perry ultimately had too much for her England teammate, finishing the match 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7.

The men's Over-45 masters draw served up a treat with seven-time champion Nick Taylor facing former world No.2 Peter Marshall to complete Sunday's line-up on the all-glass show court at the National Squash Centre.

Second seed Marshall, from Nottinghamshire, brought an end to England Squash's Senior National Coach David Campion's run - taking half an hour to win 13-11, 11-4, 11-2.

He will now face Taylor, who has four over-35 and three over-40 titles to his name, after the Jersey-based 45-year-old beat Jamie Goodrich 11-0, 11-7, 11-5 in 20 minutes.

Second seed Ben Ford was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Over-35 championship - beaten 12-10, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4 in 53 minutes by last year's runner-up Darren Lewis. The 37-year-old from Leicester will face top seed Andy Whipp for the title.

O65 favourite John Rae was also knocked out in the last four in a match that went down to the wire. 3/4 seed Terry Belshaw won 12-15, 15-9, 15-5, 13-15, 15-7 in 38 minutes and now faces second seed Ian Graham in the final.